Flat screen monitor support system

ABSTRACT

A kit for mounting a monitor including a mounting plate adapted to mount to a monitor, a joint adapted to be coupled to the mounting plate in a quick-release manner, and a bracket having first and second ends. The first end is adapted to couple to the joint and the second end is adapted to be attached to a fixed structure, such as a pole or a wall. The articulated arm has a fixed end and a movable end with the movable end adapted to be coupled to the joint, whereby the joint can be coupled to either of the bracket and the articulated arm.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional Pat.application Ser. No. 60/464,568, filed Apr. 22, 2003, and U.S.provisional Pat. application Ser. No. 60/472,148, filed May 21, 2003,which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a mounting device and mountingkit for mounting one or more monitors, such as flat screen monitors andflat panel displays, to a support.

[0003] The disclosure of commonly assigned U.S. provisional applicationNo. 60/464,568, filed on Apr. 22, 2003, bearing the same title is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Since the advent of personal computers, there has been apersistent quest for the reduction in size and weight of the computer,as well as an increase in the portability of the computer. Initially,personal computers were supplied with cathode ray tube monitors (CRTs),which did good service; however, they required a great deal of workspaceand quite often special support devices.

[0005] In recent years, advances in monitor technology have seen the CRTmonitors improved substantially, especially now with the versions ofso-called flat screen monitors that are widely available. The term “flatscreen monitor” as used herein will include flat panel displays andother types of displays that have a relatively narrow thickness whencompared to conventional CRT monitors. It is believed that in thenot-too-distant future, flat screen monitors will totally displace theCRT monitors altogether. Flat screen monitors provide the same sizedviewing areas as traditional CRT screens but in width and height theyare much less bulky and typically only a few inches thick. This hasresulted in numerous opportunities for reorganizing the computerworkstation environment, including finding ways to support the flatscreen monitor conveniently.

[0006] What has developed as a result of the flat screen monitoropportunities are many different designs and approaches for support armsthat are able to hold the flat screen monitor in a desirable orientationfor use. The support arms may be solid piece mounts that attach to theflat screen monitor, or they may be articulated, allowing x-y-zmovement.

[0007] Some of the prior art mounting methods for flat screen monitorarms have been developed by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Forinstance, OEM manufacturers of flat screen monitor arms have providedstands for their products that fasten directly into the mounting holeson the back side of the device itself. In other circumstances, suppliersof more sophisticated monitor supports have supplied mounting hardwarethat merely allows the interface between the support arm and themounting holes for the flat screen monitor to be a backing plate that isdirectly screwed into the flat screen monitor.

[0008] There are serious drawbacks to the mounting approaches that havebeen taken in the past. Assembly of the flat screen monitor to the priorart mountings is difficult and, at times, requires the utmost ineye-hand coordination to align the various components, which sometimesare being held manually in order to complete the installation.

[0009] Further, the rearrangement of the location of monitors, or thedetachment of a monitor from a mount for service, or other reasons, hasalso been time consuming. Still further, some flat screen monitors donot come with standard screw holes for fastening a mount to the monitor.In those cases, specialized mounts have to be custom adapted for theparticular monitor. Thus, there has been a need in the marketplace for amounting system for a wide variety of flat screen monitors that caneasily be installed onto a support arm or other structure, and which hasother features, such as a reversible locking system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a kit and system formounting flat screen monitors in a simple and time efficient manner. Thepresent invention allows flat screen displays to be easily attached tovarious different types of structures, such as walls, poles, standards,or work surfaces. Further, the present invention allows the flat screenmonitors to be easily detached from these structures.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a kit formounting a monitor is provided. The kit includes a mounting plate, ajoint, a wall mount, and an articulated arm. The plate is adapted to befixedly attached to the back side of a monitor. The joint is adapted tobe coupled to the mounting plate in a quick-release manner. The wallmount bracket is adapted to be attached to a wall on one end and to thejoint on another end. The articulated arm includes a fixed end and amovable end. The movable end is adapted to be coupled to the jointwhereby the joint can be coupled to either the wall mount bracket or thearm.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mountingassembly for a monitor is provided. The mounting assembly includes amounting plate, a wall mount bracket, and a joint. The plate is adaptedto be fixedly attached to the back side of a monitor. The wall mountbracket is adapted to be attached to a wall. The joint has first andsecond ends, the first end of which is attachable to the wall mountbracket. The second end includes a quick release mechanism that isadapted to releasably couple to the mounting plate whereby the plate canbe attached to the quick release mechanism without the need fortightening any fasteners.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amounting assembly is provided for mounting at least two monitors. Themounting assembly includes a first mounting plate, a second mountingplate, an elongated plate, a first joint, a second joint, and a thirdjoint. The first and second mounting plates are adapted to be fixedlyattached to the back sides of first and second monitors, respectively.The elongated plate has first and second mounting areas. The first jointis adapted to allow the first mounting plate to be snap-fittinglysecured thereto. The second joint is adapted to allow the secondmounting plate to be snap-fittingly secured thereto. The first andsecond joints are attachable to the first and second mounting areas,respectively. The third joint is adapted to allow the elongated plate tobe snap-fittingly attached thereto.

[0014] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, amounting assembly for a flat screen monitor having a plurality of edgesis provided. The mounting assembly includes a first arm adapted toextend around a first one of the edges of the monitor. A second arm isalso included and adapted to extend around a second one of the edges ofthe monitor. The first and second edges are generally opposite eachother. A bracket and joint are also included. The bracket is adapted tobe attached to a fixed structure. The joint has first and second ends.The first end is adapted to be secured to the bracket, and the secondend is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second arms. Thejoint is pivotable with respect to the bracket.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, amounting assembly for mounting a monitor to a pole is provided. Themounting assembly includes a mounting plate, a collar, a lever arm, anda joint. The mounting plate is adapted to be fixedly attached to thebackside of the monitor. The collar is dimensioned to fit around a pole.The lever arm is pivotally attached to the collar and adapted to movebetween a locked position in which the collar is frictionally retainedon the pole and an unlocked position in which the collar is free to movealong the length of the pole. The joint has first and second ends. Thefirst end is attached to the collar and the second end is adapted toreleasably couple to the mounting plate.

[0016] According to still other aspects of the present invention, thevarious joints may be ball and socket joints which allow the mountingassembly to pivot in all directions. The joints themselves may bepivotably coupled to either the articulated arm or the wall mountbracket. The mounting plates may include at least one pivotable lockingmember that is pivotable between a locking and an unlocking position andwhich prevents the mounting plate from being removed when in the lockingposition. The locking member may be maintained in the locking positionby a flexible latch portion that can be elastically deformed between afirst and second shape. The joints may include a tapered plate having agenerally trapezoidal shape that tapers from a bottom end toward a topend and that is adapted to contact the mounting plate when the joint iscoupled thereto. The tapered plate may define a plane that is generallyparallel to an adjacent plane defined by the mounting plate when themounting plate is coupled to the joint. The elongated plate may beadapted so that it can be attached to the mounting plate in a pluralityof different orientations. The mounting plate may include a tapered,trapezoidal sleeve adapted to receive the tapered plate. The bracket mayinclude one or more hooks adapted to allow it to be mounted onto astandard, such as a standard found in conventional office wall panels.

[0017] The mounting assembly of the present invention provides a quickand easy way of attaching and detaching monitors, such as flat screenmonitors from various types of mounts. The mounts may includearticulated arms or wall brackets. The attachment of a monitor to one ofthese mounts does not require the use of any separate fasteners.Further, the removal of one of these monitors from the mounts can beeasily accomplished by simply flexing a pair of elastically deformablelatch members and lifting the display out of the mount. These and otheradvantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled inthe art upon review of the following written description and theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flat panel display and amounting plate according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wallmounting assembly according to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of various components ofthe wall mounting assembly of FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of the wall mountingassembly of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wall mounting assembly accordingto a second embodiment of a present invention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective, exploded view of the wall mountingassembly of FIG. 5;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting plate and support plateprior to attachment;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, enlarged view of a portion of themounting plate and support plate of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting plate and the supportplate attached together but in an unlocked condition;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting plate and supportplate attached together and in a locked position;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dual mounting assemblyaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the dual mounting assembly ofFIG. 11 shown in a different orientation;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an articulated arm and mountingassembly according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of the articulated arm andmounting assembly of FIG. 13;

[0032]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of bracket and mounting standardaccording to another aspect of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according toyet another aspect of the present invention illustrated with a collar inan unlocked position;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 16illustrated with the collar in the locked position;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a perspective view from a different angle of themounting assembly of FIG. 16;

[0036]FIG. 19 is a plan view of the collar and a lever arm shown in theunlocked position;

[0037]FIG. 20 is a plan view of the collar and the lever arm shown inthe locked position;

[0038]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the lever arm;

[0039]FIG. 22 is a side, elevational view of the lever arm;

[0040]FIG. 23 is a front, elevational view of the lever arm;

[0041]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according toanother aspect of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 24;

[0043]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 24taken from a different angle;

[0044]FIG. 27 is a plan view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 24; and

[0045]FIG. 28 is a side, elevational view of the mounting assembly ofFIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The present invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein the reference numerals appearing in thefollowing written description correspond to like numbered elements inthe attached drawings. The present invention provides a number ofdifferent mounting assemblies for supporting flat screen or flat paneldisplays. An example of a flat panel display 20 that can be mounted onone of the mounting assemblies of the present invention is depicted inFIG. 1. Flat panel display 20 includes a screen 22 appearing on itsfront side and a plurality of control buttons 24 positioned underneaththe screen. Flat panel display 20 has a thickness that is substantiallyless than conventional cathode ray tube displays. As one example, thethickness of flat panel display 20 may be approximately 1 inch. It willbe understood, of course, that the size, construction, and details offlat panel display 20 can vary from that illustrated in FIG. 1. In fact,the present invention contemplates no limit on the size, shape, oroverall construction of the flat panel displays that may be mounted onthe mounting assemblies described herein.

[0047] A mounting plate 26 is also depicted in FIG. 1. Mounting plate 26attaches to the back side of flat panel display 20. Thus, mounting plate26 attaches to the side of display 20 opposite screen 22. Mounting plate26 includes four outer apertures 28 and four inner apertures 30. Thefour outer apertures 28 are arranged generally at the four corners of animaginary square. Similarly, the four inner apertures 30 are alsogenerally arranged at the corners of an imaginary square. The imaginarysquare defined by inner apertures 30 is smaller than that defined byouter apertures 28. Apertures 28 and 30 are used to mount mounting plate26 to the back side of display 20. Screws, or other suitable fasteners,are inserted into apertures 28 or 30 and into the back of display 20.Conventional flat panel displays typically include four screw holespositioned on their back side that allow a mount to be attached thereto.The screw holes are typically arranged to define a square having one oftwo different sizes. One of these sizes may have sides of approximatelyten centimeters, although other sizes are contemplated by the invention.By including both outer apertures 28 and inner apertures 30 in mountingplate 26, mounting plate 26 can be attached to displays 20 having eitherof the two main configurations of screw holes on their back side.Mounting plate 26 can therefore be used with virtually all conventionalflat panel displays.

[0048] After mounting plate 26 is screwed onto the back of the display20, the mounting plate 26 is typically never removed therefrom. Themounting plate 26 can be selectively coupled to a joint mounted to awall, a standard, an articulating arm, or a pole in a manner that willbe described in more detail herein. The attachment of mounting plate 26to these various structures can be accomplished in an easy, snap-fittingmanner that facilitates both attachment and detachment of the displayfrom the mount.

[0049] A mounting assembly 32 according to one aspect of the presentinvention is depicted in FIG. 2. Mounting assembly 32 is specificallyadapted to allow a flat panel display to be mounted on a wall, or otherflat surface. Mounting assembly 32 includes a variety of components thatare depicted in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. With specific reference toFIG. 4, mounting assembly 32 includes mounting plate 26, a joint 34, anda wall or flat mount bracket 36. Joint 34 further includes a supportplate 38, a ball 40, and a socket 42. Mounting plate 26 further includesa pair of locking arms 44 which are illustrated in FIG. 4 as beingdetached from mounting plate 26. Locking arms 44 are, however, actuallypivotably attached to mounting plate 26. Specifically, each locking arm44 includes a pin 46 that fits through a pivot aperture 48 defined inmounting plate 26. This attachment is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9-10.

[0050] Wall or flat mount bracket 36 is adapted to be attached to a flatsurface such as a wall. Bracket 36 includes an upper mounting aperture50 and a lower mounting aperture 52. Mounting apertures 50 and 52 eachreceive a screw that passes through bracket 36 and into a wall or otherflat surface. When mounted to a wall, the screws or other fastenersinserted through apertures 50 and 52 are oriented generallyhorizontally. Bracket 36 further includes a pin aperture 54. Pinaperture 54 is adapted to receive a pin 56. When pin 56 is received inpin aperture 54, pin 56 is oriented generally perpendicular to thescrews that pass through apertures 50 and 52. Stated alternatively, whenbracket 36 is attached to a wall, pin 56 will be in a verticalorientation. Pin 56 may include a knurled outer surface that allows itto be frictionally secured in pin aperture 54.

[0051] Socket 42 includes an upper half 58 and a lower half 60. Eachhalf 58 and 60 includes a spherical portion 62 which receives ball 40.Upper and lower halves 58 and 60 are secured together by way of a pairof bolts 64 and nuts 66. Before these halves are secured together, ball40 is positioned in spherical portions 62. Thereafter, nuts and bolts 66and 64 are tightened so that upper and lower halves 58 and 60 aresecured to each other. The tightening of the nuts and bolts 66 and 64takes place after ball 40 has been moved to a desired orientation. Thetightening via the nuts and bolts maintains the ball in this desiredorientation. If a new orientation is desired, bolts 64 are loosenedsufficiently to allow ball 40 to rotate to the desired orientation inspherical portion 62. Thereafter, bolts 64 are again tightened to clampdown and hold ball 40 in the desired orientation.

[0052] Socket 42 further includes a pin aperture 68 in both upper andlower halves 58 and 60. Pin apertures 68 in each of these halves arevertically aligned with each other. Pin apertures 68 receive pin 56 ofwall mount bracket 36. Pin 56 thereby secures socket 42 to wall mountbracket 36. As mentioned, pin 56 may be maintained in pin aperture 54 onbracket 36 by way of a frictional fit. Thus, once pin 56 is insertedinto aperture 54, it is difficult, if not impossible to removetherefrom. Pin 56 could alternatively be constructed to include threads,or other means, that would allow it to be screwed into pin aperture 54.Such threads, or other means, would allow pin 56 to be easily insertedand removed from pin aperture 54. By allowing pin 56 to be easilyremoved, joint 34 could be easily detached from wall mount bracket 36.

[0053] The size of pin aperture 68 and socket 40 are preferably slightlysmaller than the diameter of pin 56. Further, socket 42 is preferablymanufactured out of a flexible material, such as plastic, that flexeswhen pin 56 is inserted therein. This flexing creates sufficientfriction between pin 56 and the surfaces of pin aperture 68 to maintainsocket 42 in a given orientation with respect to pin 56. Statedalternatively, pin 56 defines a vertical pivot axis 70 about whichsocket 42 can rotate. The frictional engagement of pin 56 in pinaperture 68 maintains socket 42 in whatever orientation it has beenpivoted to with respect to pin 56. This pivoting allows the orientationof the monitor attached to mounting assembly 32 to be adjusted about avertical axis. As an alternative to sizing pin 52 larger than aperture68, the external surface of pin 56 that contacts aperture 68 could beknurled or roughened in order to provide sufficient frictionalengagement.

[0054] The position of flat panel display 20 can also be adjusted by wayof the ball and socket joint defined by ball 40 and socket 42. Ball 40can be adjusted about a vertical axis and two mutually orthogonalhorizontal axes while in socket 42. Once ball 40 has been moved to thedesired orientation, nuts and bolts 66 and 64 are tightened to maintainthe display 20 in the desired orientation. Ball 40 includes a fasteneraperture 72 that receives a fastener, such as a screw 74 (FIGS. 3-4).Screw 74 passes through a fastener aperture 76 in support plate 38before it is inserted into fastener aperture 72 and secured therein.Thus, screw 74 secures support plate 38 to ball 40. A keyway 73 isdefined on ball 40 and receives a key projection 75, that projectsoutwardly from the back side of mounting plate 38, when the two aresecured together by screw 74. This interaction of the keyway 73 and keyprojection 75 helps prevent any unintentional rotation or slippagebetween mounting plate 38 and ball 40.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, support plate 38 is generallytrapezoidal shaped. Support plate 38 includes two upper side surfaces 78which are positioned above a pair of notches 80 defined in the sidesurfaces of support plate 38. Notches 80 selectively receive protrusions82 defined on locking arms 44. When protrusions 82 are positioned onnotches 80, mounting plate 26 is secured to support plate 38. Thislocking of mounting plate 26 to support plate 38 will now be describedin more detail, particularly with reference to FIGS. 7-10.

[0056] As illustrated generally in FIG. 7, the back side of mountingplate 26 includes a pair of bent flanges 84 on each side of mountingplate 26. Bent flanges 84 generally define a sleeve 86 on the back sideof mounting plate 26. Sleeve 86 is generally shaped so that it tapersfrom a wide bottom end 88 toward a narrow top end 90 of mounting plate26. This tapering generally matches the tapering of the side walls ofsupport plate 38. Thus, when mounting plate 26 is moved downwardly in adirection 92 (FIG. 7), support plate 38 will fit into sleeve 86. Becauseof the tapered nature of sleeve 86 and support plate 38, mounting plate26 will be prevented from moving downwardly in direction 92 past supportplate 38. Stated alternatively, the distance between bent flanges 84adjacent top end 90 of mounting plate 26 is narrower than the width ofsupport plate 38. Thus, when mounting plate 26 is moved downwardly indirection 92, it will come to rest on support plate 38 when contact ismade between the side walls of support plate 38 and the inside ofsleeves 86. This resting position is illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0057] In the resting position depicted in FIG. 9, mounting plate 26 ismaintained on support plate 38 by way of gravity. In other words,mounting plate 26 is prevented from being removed from support plate 38other than by manual lifting of mounting plate 26 off of support plate38. Mounting plate 26 is prevented from being moved toward or away fromsupport plate 38 by the depth of sleeve 86. Specifically, the depth ofsleeve 86 is dimensioned to generally be the same as the thickness ofsupport plate 38. Thus, when support plate 38 is received in sleeve 86,mounting plate 26 has little or no wiggle room. Mounting plate 26 cantherefore not be moved toward or away from support plate 38 when in theposition illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0058] In order to lock mounting plate 26 to support plate 38, lockingarms 44 are pivoted about pivot axes 94 (FIG. 9). Pivot axes 94 asdefined generally through pivot apertures 48 on mounting plate 26. Whenlocking arms 44 are pivoted toward support plate 38, protrusions 82 fitthrough slots 96 defined in bent flanges 84 (FIG. 7). As locking arms 44continue to pivot towards support plate 38, protrusions 82 passcompletely through slots 96 and into notches 80 of support plate 38.When protrusions 82 are positioned in notches 80, mounting plate 26 isprevented from being lifted off of support plate 38. In order tomaintain locking arms 44 in this position, each locking arm includes ashoulder 98 positioned on an upper, flexible latch portion 100 oflocking arm 44 (FIGS. 7-8). Flexible latch portion 100 includes anangled surface 102 that abuts against an edge 104 at the top end of bentflange 84 (FIG. 8) as locking arm 44 is moved to the locking position.When angled surface 102 contacts edge 104, the angled nature of surface102 causes edge 104 to exert an upward force on flexible latch portion100. This causes flexible latch portion 100 to bend or flex sufficientlyto allow the bottom of flexible latch portion 100 to overcome edge 104.As the bottom of flexible latch portion 100 continues to move towardbent flange 84, shoulder 98 eventually reaches a locking edge 106defined on bent flange 84. When shoulder 98 reaches locking edge 106,flexible latch portion 100 snaps back to its unflexed position. Theengagement of shoulder 98 with locking edge 106 prevents locking arms 44from pivoting about pivot axis 94. This locking position is illustratedin FIG. 10. In this position, protrusions 82 are inserted into notches80 and mounting plate 26 cannot be removed from support plate 38. Theflexing of shoulders 98 into locking edges 106 thus provides asnap-fitting manner of securing mounting plate 26 to support plate 38.Locking arms 44 are preferably made out of a plastic resin or othersuitable material that generates the desired amount of flexibility forthe snap-fit.

[0059] In order to remove mounting plate 26 from support plate 38, auser simply pushes upwardly on flexible latch portions 100. This upwardforce is applied with a sufficient magnitude to cause shoulders 98 toflex out of engagement with locking edges 106. After this disengagement,locking arms 44 can be pivoted about pivot axes 94 such that protrusions82 retreat out of notches 80. Thereafter, mounting plate 26 is liftedupwardly off of support plate 38. The attachment and detachment ofmounting plate 26 to support plate 38 can therefore be accomplished in asimple, snap-fitting manner in which no separate fasteners need to betightened or used to secure the two parts together. It will of course beunderstood that the securement of support plate 38 to mounting plate 26could be carried out in a reverse fashion from that illustrated anddescribed herein. For example, mounting plate 26 could simply comprise agenerally trapezoidal plate which fits into a sleeve defined on supportplate 38. Further, locking arms 44 could be moved to support plate 38.Further modifications are also possible.

[0060] A mounting assembly 132 according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. Mounting assembly 132,like mounting assembly 32, includes a mounting plate 26, a support plate38, a ball 40, a socket 42, and a wall mount bracket 36. Thesecomponents are all constructed and operated in the same manner that hasbeen described previously. Accordingly, they will not be describedagain. Mounting assembly 132 further includes an extension 108.Extension 108 fits between wall mount bracket 36 and socket 42.Extension 108 serves to extend the mounting assembly 132 a greaterdistance away from the wall or flat surface to which it is mounted.Extension 108 includes a vertical aperture 110 that receives acylindrical sleeve 112. Cylindrical sleeve 112 includes an internaldiameter that is sized to provide sufficient frictional engagement withpin 56 to maintain extension 108's orientation about pin 56. Thefrictional contact between cylindrical sleeve 112 and pin 56 is not,however, so great as to prevent extension 108 from being able to pivotabout pivot axis 70.

[0061] Extension 108 further includes an upper arm 114 and a lower arm116. Upper arm 114 and lower arm 116 are separated from each other attheir end opposite vertical aperture 110. Lower arm 116 includes anaperture 118 that extends vertically completely through lower arm 116.Aperture 118 is adapted to receive a pin 120 that is used to pivotablysecure extension 108 to socket 42. Specifically, pin 120 fits throughpin aperture 68 in upper and lower halves 58 and 60 of socket 42. Pin120 may be knurled or sized slightly greater than the dimension of pinaperture 68 to thereby generate sufficient friction to maintain socket42 in whatever orientation it has been pivoted to. The top end of pin120 is received in a partial aperture defined in upper arm 114 (notshown). This partial aperture does not extend all the way through upperarm 114, as does aperture 118 through lower arm 116. Pin 120 may bemaintained in aperture 118 by way of an interference fit. With extension108 incorporated into mounting assembly 132, pivoting of the mountingassembly can take place about pivot axis 70, the pivot axis defined bypin 120, and the multi-directional pivoting provided by ball and socket40 and 42. Mounting assembly 132 thus provides a great deal of freedomfor positioning a flat panel display 20 when it is secured to supportplate 38 of assembly 132.

[0062] A mounting assembly 232 according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. Mounting assembly232 includes a number of components that are common to mountingassemblies 32 and 132. These common components are identified by thesame reference numerals, and operate in the same manner as previouslydescribed. Accordingly, no further description of these components willbe provided herein. Where more than one of these common componentsappears in mounting assembly 232, a letter designation has been added tothe end of the reference number to distinguish them from theirduplicates.

[0063] In addition to the components in common with mounting assemblies32 and 132, mounting assembly 232 further includes an elongated plate122. Elongated plate 122 is used to mount up to two different mountingassemblies 32, such as assemblies 32 a and 32 b in FIGS. 11 and 12.Alternatively, elongated plate 122 could be used to mount up to twomounting assemblies 132. Still further, elongated plate 122 could beused to mount one mounting assembly 32 and one mounting assembly 132.Elongated plate 122 includes a first mounting area 124, a secondmounting area 126, and a central mounting area 128. First and secondmounting areas 124 and 126 define locations to which mounting assemblies32 and 132 can be attached. Each mounting area 124 and 126 includes fourfastener holes 130 a-d. Fastener holes 130 a and 130 b each receive ascrew 132, or other suitable fastener, which fits through upper andlower mounting apertures 50 and 52 on mounting assembly 32 or 132. Eachscrew 132 also is received in a nut 134 that can be used to tighten theattachment of mounting assembly 32 or 132 to elongated plate 122. Inaddition to the general horizontal orientation of elongated plate 122depicted in FIG. 11, elongated plate 122 can also be used in a verticalorientation, such as that illustrated in FIG. 12. When elongated plate122 is positioned in this vertical orientation, fastener holes 130 c andd receive screws 132 in order to secure mounting assembly 32 or 132 tothe elongated plate 122.

[0064] In both FIGS. 11 and 12, an additional mounting plate 26 c(illustrated in dashed lines) is preferably attached to central mountingarea 128 by way of additional screws 132 and nuts 134. The screws 132fit through four central fastener holes 136. From central fastener holes136, screws 132 further fit through outer apertures 28 in mounting plate26 c. Because central fastener holes 136 and outer apertures 28 are eachpositioned at the vertex of a square, elongated plate 122 can beattached to mounting plate 26 in either the horizontal orientation (FIG.11) or the vertical orientation (FIG. 12). In either case, the samecentral fastener holes 136 are used to secure elongated plate 122 tomounting plate 26 c. Mounting plate 26 c can be part of a third mountingassembly 32 (not shown), which would support elongated plate 122 as ifit were a flat panel display. The position and orientation of elongatedplate 122 could therefore be adjusted by way of the third mountingassembly. Alternatively, mounting plate 26 could be attached to amounting assembly 132 or a mounting assembly supported on an articulatedarm, such as depicted in FIG. 13. Regardless of what mounting plate 26 cis attached to, elongated plate 122 allows two flat panel displays 20 tobe mounted side by side in either vertical or horizontal alignment.Because each flat panel display 20 has its own mounting assembly 32 or132 attached to elongated plate 122, the individual flat panel displayscan have their orientations with respect to elongated plate 122independently adjusted. Further, if mounting plate 26 c is attached toanother mounting assembly 32 or 132, the overall position andorientation of elongated plate 122 can be adjusted.

[0065] A mounting assembly 332 attached to an articulated arm 140 isdepicted in FIG. 13. An exploded view of mounting assembly 332 andarticulated arm 140 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Mounting assembly 332 isthe same as mounting assembly 132 with the exception that mountingassembly 332 does not include a wall mount bracket 36. Instead,extension 108 of mounting assembly 332 attaches to a knuckle 142.Knuckle 142 is part of articulated arm 140. Knuckle 142 includes avertical aperture 144 which receives a pin 146. Pin 146 fits through thecylindrical sleeve 112 of extension 108 in the same manner that pin 56does. Thus, extension 108 is pivotable about a vertical axis defined bythe longitudinal extent of pin 146.

[0066] Articulated arm 140 is intended to be attached to a desktop, orworksurface, or another stationary structure. As illustrated, thearticulated arm does not include any means for fastening it to adesktop. In order to fasten it to a work surface or desktop, anadditional structure can be utilized. This additional structure can takeon any conventional or otherwise suitable form. Moreover, the overallconstruction of articulated arm 140 can vary from that depicted in FIGS.13 and 14. In fact, the invention contemplates mounting extension 108 toany type of articulated arm that includes a pin, or other structure,that allows extension 108 to be attached thereto. Articulating arm 140could even have its stationary end mounted to a wall or a ceiling ifdesired.

[0067] As illustrated, articulated arm 140 includes a main arm 148surrounded by first and second arms 150 a and b. An upper pivot aperture152 of main arm 148 receives a pair of pivot pins 154 that are insertedthrough an upper aperture 156 on knuckle 142. This attachment of knuckle142 to main arm 148 via pivot pins 154 allows knuckle 142 to pivot withrespect to main arm 148 about the axis defined by pivot pins 154.Knuckle 142 further includes a lower pivot aperture 158. Lower pivotaperture 158 receives a pair of pivot pins 154 that also pass throughupper pivot apertures 160 defined on first and second arms 150 a and b.Thus, knuckle 142 can pivot with respect to first and second arms 150 aand b about the pivot axis defined by these pivot pins. Main arm 148 andfirst and second arms 150 a and b are attached at their lower end to apost 162. Post 162 includes an upper pivot aperture 164 and a lowerpivot aperture 166. Upper pivot aperture 164 receives a pair of pivotpins 154 that pass through a lower pivot aperture 168 of main arm 148.Lower pivot apertures 166 receive a pair of pivot pins 154 that passthrough lower pivot apertures 170 of first and second arms 150 a and b.A piston (not shown) may be included within post 162 to help maintainarticulated arm 140 in any desired orientation. A bolt 172 and aplurality of washers 174 may also be included for securing post 162 toany additional structure necessary to mount it on a desktop. A cablesupport 176 may also be attached to main arm 148 to conceal and supportcables running to the flat panel display 20.

[0068] In addition to the various mounting assemblies that have beendiscussed herein, the present invention contemplates a kit assembly thatcomprises selected components from the various embodiments discussedherein. Specifically, a kit according to one aspect of the presentinvention could include an articulated arm, such as arm 140, incombination with mounting assembly 32. A purchaser or user of such a kitwould therefore have the option of supporting a flat panel display oneither a wall or an articulated arm. If this person desired to mounttheir flat panel display on a wall, mounting assembly 32 would be usedin the manner previously described. If the person desired to mount theirflat panel display on an articulated arm, socket 42 of mounting assembly32 would be secured to knuckle 132 of articulated arm 140 via pin 146.Bracket 36 would not be used. The kit therefore provides the user withthe option of having their display mounted on either a wall or anarticulated arm. Further, if pin 146 is adapted to be removable fromvertical aperture 144, then the user can easily switch between the twomounting styles as desired. It will of course be understood that the kitcould alternatively include mounting assemblies 132 or 232 incombination with articulated arm 140. If the kit included a mountingassembly 232 and an articulated arm 140, an additional ball and socketjoint, in an optional extension 108, and a wall mount bracket 36 couldbe included to allow mounting plate 26 c to be supported on eitherknuckle 142 or the wall mount bracket 36.

[0069] A mounting bracket 36′ according to another aspect of the presentinvention is depicted in FIG. 15. Mounting bracket 36′ is adapted tosupport a flat panel display assembly on a conventional mountingstandard 178. Bracket 36′ includes a pair of hooks 180 that extend outof its back surface and hook into a pair of slots 182 defined inmounting standard 178. The particular slots 182 selected to receivehooks 180 are based upon the desired height at which the flat paneldisplay assembly is to be mounted. It will be understood that theparticular form of the mounting standard 178 can vary substantially fromthat depicted in FIG. 15. In fact, the invention contemplates any formof mounting standards in which one or more hooks on the back of bracket36′ can be inserted at desired heights. Such standards include thosecustomarily found on wall panels used in office environments fordefining cubicles or other work areas. Similarly, the design and shapeof hooks 180 can be varied substantially from that depicted in FIG. 15.Bracket 36′ may be used to support joint 34 directly, or may be used tosupport joint 34 via an extension 108. Bracket 36′ may also be used tosupport either a single flat panel display, or an elongated plate 122used to support multiple flat panel displays.

[0070] A mounting assembly 432 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention is depicted in FIGS. 16-23. Mounting assembly 432 isspecifically adapted to support a flat screen monitor on a pole, such aspole 184 depicted in FIG. 16. Pole 184 may extend vertically,horizontally, or at an angle. Mounting assembly 432 allows the flatpanel monitor to be selectively secured at any position along the lengthof pole 184. Mounting assembly 432 includes a variety of components thatare common to the mounting assemblies previously described. Thesecomponents are labeled with the same reference numerals. New componentsare labeled with new reference numerals.

[0071] Mounting assembly 432 specifically includes a mounting plate 26having a plurality of apertures 28 and 30 which can be used to eithersecure it directly to the back of a flat panel monitor, or to secure itto an elongated plate, such as elongated plate 122. Alternatively,apertures 28 and 39 can be used to secure mounting plate 26 to a pair ofarms, as will be discussed in more detail below. Mounting assembly 432further includes a pair of locking arms 44 that are used to selectivelysecure it to a joint 34 in the manner previously described. Joint 34 isconnected to an extension 108 having upper and lower arms 114 and 116,respectively. Extension 108 is pivotably attached to a collar 186.Collar 186 wraps around pole 184 and is adapted to be frictionallysecured thereto at a desired location on pole 184. Extension 108 isadapted to pivot with respect to collar 186 about a pivot axis 188 thatis generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of pole 184.

[0072] Collar 186 further includes a lever arm 190 which is pivotablysecured thereto. Lever arm 190 is pivotable with respect to collar 186about a pivot axis 192. Pivot axis 192 is defined by an aperture 194defined in lever arm 190 (FIG. 21). Aperture 194 receives a pin, orother fastener, which secures it to collar 186. Lever arm 190 ispivotable about this pin, or other fastener. Lever arm 190 specificallypivots between a locked position and an unlocked position. FIG. 16depicts lever arm 190 in the unlocked position. FIG. 17 depicts leverarm 190 in the locked position. In the locked position, collar 186 andlever arm 190 squeeze against pole 184 with sufficient friction toprevent movement of collar 186 along the length of pole 184. This istrue regardless of whether or not pole 184 is oriented horizontally orvertically. If a flat screen monitor is not mounted at the properlocation along pole 184, a user can easily change this by simply movinglever arm 190 to the unlocked position and then sliding collar 186 tothe new, desired position. Thereafter, lever arm is moved back to thelocked position, and collar 186 is held in that location on pole 184.Collar 186 and lever arm 190 thus provide a quick and convenient mannerfor mounting the mounting assembly 432 to pole 184.

[0073] The manner in which lever arm 190 and collar 186 selectively grippole 184 can best be understood with reference to FIGS. 19-23. Lever arm190 includes a cam surface 196 that is selectively brought intofrictional engagement with pole 184 when lever arm 190 is moved to thelocked position. When lever arm 190 is moved to the unlocked position,cam surface 196 is either out of contact with pole 184, or only looselyin contact therewith. In either case, the loose or absent frictionalengagement between cam surface 196 and pole 184 allows collar 186 to beslid along pole 184 to any desired location. FIG. 19 illustrates leverarm 190 when it has been pivoted to the unlocked position. Asillustrated, an aperture 198 defined in collar 186, which receives pole184, is not interrupted by lever arm 190. However, as illustrated inFIG. 20, which depicts lever arm 190 in the locked position, cam surface196 has interrupted aperture 198. Specifically, cam surface 196 hasreduced the diameter of aperture 198 when measured in a direction thatintersects cam surface 196. The reduced diameter of aperture 198 whenlever arm 190 is in the locked position causes collar 186 and lever arm190 to securely maintain a frictional grip on pole 184.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 20, cam surface 196 is generally curved.Specifically, this curve is defined as an arc of a circle. The arcpreferably has a radius which is substantially the same as the radius ofthe pole 184. This creates a better frictional fit between lever arm 190and pole 184, thereby more securely affixing collar 186 to a givenregion on pole 184. Once lever arm 190 is moved to the locked position,the friction between it and pole 184, as well as the shape of lever arm190, maintains it in the locked position until it is manually moved tothe unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, collar 186 may bemade out of a metal, such as aluminum. Lever arm 190 may be made out ofa plastic, such as a nylon resin. Other types of materials are, ofcourse, also possible.

[0075] When lever arm 190 is moved to the locked position, it ismaintained in this locked position by way of a change in the length ofthe radius from pivot axis 192 to cam surface 196. This is illustratedmore clearly in FIG. 22. When lever arm 190 is rotated so that point Ais in contact with pole 184, the distance between point A and pivot axis192 is equal to the length of radius R₁. When point B on cam surface 196is in contact with pole 184, radius R₂ represents the distance betweenpivot axis 192 and point B. When point C on cam surface 196 is incontact with pole 184, radius R₃ represents the distance between pivotaxis 192 and point C. The three radii R₁₋₃ are not equal. Rather, radiusR₂ has the greatest dimension. Thus, as lever arm 190 is rotated to thefully locked position, it rotates past point B such that a point on camsurface 196 near point C is in contact with pole 184. In this position,lever arm 190 is prevented from slipping out of the locked positionbecause of the greater radius of R₂. Stated alternatively, in order forlever arm 190 to be rotated to the unlocked position, extra force mustbe applied to lever arm 190 in order to move past radius R₂ in theunlocking direction. This is because the greater radius R₂ causes agreater force to be exerted against pole 184. Thus, the shape of camsurface 196 with respect to pivot axis 192 allows lever arm 190 to beautomatically maintained in the locked position. A user must thereforeexert additional force against lever arm 190 in the unlocking directionin order to move lever arm 190 to the unlocked position.

[0076] Collar 186 further includes a plurality of arms 200. Arms 200 arepositioned on a side of collar 186 and define a wire management channel202 (FIGS. 18-20). Wire management channel 202 provides a structure inwhich cords or wires that are running to the monitor supported onmounting assembly 432 may be run. In addition, cords running along thelength of pole 184 to other structures may also be contained within wiremanagement channel 202. The three arms 200 allow wires to be easilythreaded into wire management channel 202, but generally retain them inthere unless manually unthreaded. Wire management channel 202 thereforeprovides a structure for minimizing the clutter of wires running alongpole 184.

[0077]FIGS. 24-28 depict another embodiment of a mounting assembly 532.Mounting assembly 532 is particularly suited for supporting flat screenmonitors that don't have a standard screw hole configuration on theirback surface. Specifically, as was mentioned previously, flat screenmonitors often tend to have four screw holes positioned on their backsurface. The screw holes define the four corners of a square. Quiteoften, but not always, the distance between these four screw holes isone of two different standard dimensions. Thus, outer apertures 28 andinner apertures 30 are positioned to accommodate either of these twostandard distances. However, in some cases, flat screen monitors do nothave such a standard set of screw holes. In those instances, mountingassembly 532 may be used to mount the flat screen monitor. Mountingassembly 532 allows flat screen monitors to be mounted regardless ofwhat type of screw holes, or other mounting means, are positioned on thebackside of the monitor.

[0078] Mounting assembly 532 includes an upper arm 204 and a lower arm206. In general, upper and lower arms 204 and 206 are slidably attachedto each other. This allows the distance D depicted in FIGS. 24 and 28 tobe adjusted. The distance D generally corresponds to the height of theflat screen monitor which is to be mounted. Distance D is thereforeadjusted to match this height. Thereafter, upper and lower arms 204 and206 are secured together in this position. This causes the flat screenmonitor to be firmly gripped. Mounting assembly 532 can then be mountedonto any of the previously described structures, as will be described inmore detail below.

[0079] Upper arm 204 includes two generally flat flanges 208 positionednear its upper end (FIG. 28). Each flat flange 208 includes an adjacentbent flange 210. Flat flanges 208 are positioned to generally contactthe topside of the flat screen monitor. Bent flanges 210 are positionedto extend downwardly along a portion of the front of the flat screenmonitor. Bent flanges 210 ensure that the flat screen monitor does notfall out of mounting assembly 532. Similarly, lower arm 206 alsoincludes a pair of flat flanges 212, each of which also is positionedadjacent a bent flange 214. Flat flanges 212 generally contact thebottom side of the flat screen monitor. Bent flanges 214 generallyengage a bottom edge of the front of the flat screen monitor. Thedistance between the front edges of bent flanges 210 and 214 isgenerally preferably less than the height of the flat screen monitor.This prevents the flat screen monitor from falling forwardly out ofmounting assembly 532.

[0080] A pair of slide tracks 216 a and b are defined in upper arm 204.Slide tracks 216 are oriented parallel to each other and extend in avertical direction. Each slide track 216 a and b is dimensionedsufficiently wide to receive two screws 218. The screws 218 are receivedin four screw holes 220 defined in lower arm 206 (FIGS. 24-25). Screwholes 220 are threaded screw holes adapted to threadedly receive thescrews 218. Each of the screws 218 also pass through the outer apertures28 on a mounting plate 26. Mounting plate 26 is thus secured by screws218 to upper and lower arms 204 and 206. When screws 218 are firmlytightened, upper and lower arms 204 and 206 are not free to slide withrespect to each other. Thus, distance D is kept at a constant height.Further, mounting plate 26 is fixedly secured to upper and lower arms204 and 206. When it is desired to alter the distance D, screws 218 areloosened. This loosening allows upper and lower arms 204 and 206 toslide with respect to each other, and thus change distance D. Oncedistance D has been set to a desired magnitude, screws 218 are thenagain tightened to secure arms 204 and 206 in this position.

[0081] Mounting plate 26 in mounting assembly 532 is the same asmounting plate 26 in the other embodiments of the mounting assembliesdescribed herein. Thus, it includes a pair of locking arms 44 which maybe used to secure it to a support plate 38 in the manner previouslydescribed. Mounting plate 26 can thus be easily attached and detachedfrom a support plate 38. The support plate 38 is preferably part of ajoint 34, such as the joints 34 that have been described herein. Thejoint 34 may be mounted to any of the structures previously describe.Thus, the joint may be mounted to a wall using wall bracket 36, astandard using standard bracket 36′, an arm using knuckle 142, or a poleusing collar 186. These mountings may or may not include an extension108, or other intermediate structures. As yet another alternative,mounting plate 26 of mounting assembly 532 may be mounted to elongatedplate 122, which may in turn be mounted to any of the structures justdescribed. Mounting assembly 532 thus provides a structure for mountingnon-standard flat panel displays to wall, standards, arms, and poles.

[0082] While the present invention has been described in terms of thevarious embodiments discussed in the above specification, it will beunderstood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is notlimited to these particular embodiments, but includes any and all suchmodifications that are within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for mounting a monitor comprising: amounting plate adapted to mount to the monitor; a joint adapted to becoupled to said mounting plate in a quick-release manner; a brackethaving first and second ends, said first end adapted to couple to saidjoint, said second end adapted to be attached to a fixed structure; andan articulated arm having a fixed end and a movable end, said movableend adapted to be coupled to said joint, whereby said joint can becoupled to either of said bracket and said articulated arm.
 2. The kitof claim 1, wherein said mounting plate is adapted to mount to the backside of the monitor.
 3. The kit of claim 1, wherein said joint is a balland socket joint.
 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein said joint is adaptedto be pivotably secured to the articulated arm or to the bracket.
 5. Thekit of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate includes at least onepivotable locking member, said pivotable locking member being pivotablebetween a locking position and an unlocking position, said lockingmember preventing said mounting plate from being removed from said jointwhen said locking member is in the locking position.
 6. The kit of claim5, wherein said locking member is maintained in said locking position bya flexible latch portion that can be elastically deformed between afirst and second shape.
 7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said jointincludes a tapered plate, said tapered plate having a generallytrapezoidal shape that tapers from a bottom end toward a top end andthat is adapted to contact said mounting plate when said joint iscoupled to said mounting plate.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein saidtapered plate defines a plane that is generally parallel to and adjacenta plane defined by said mounting plate when said mounting plate iscoupled to said joint.
 9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the fixed end ofsaid articulated arm is adapted to be mounted on a worksurface.
 10. Thekit of claim 1, wherein said mounting plate and said joint are adaptedto be secured together in a snap-fitting manner.
 11. The kit of claim 1,wherein said bracket is adapted to mount to a wall.
 12. The kit of claim1, wherein said bracket is adapted to be attached to a pole.
 13. The kitof claim 12, wherein said bracket includes a collar for mounting to apole.
 14. The kit of claim 12, wherein said bracket includes a collarand a lever arm, said collar dimensioned to fit around a pole, saidlever arm adapted to move between a locked position in which the leverarm and collar frictionally retain the bracket on said pole and anunlocked position in which the lever arm and collar are free to movealong the length of the pole.
 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein saidbracket further includes a channel adapted to receive and hold at leastone cord for the flat screen monitor.
 16. The kit of claim 1, whereinsaid bracket includes at least one hook and said bracket is adapted tobe mounted onto a standard.
 17. A mounting assembly for a monitorcomprising: a mounting plate adapted to be fixedly attached to the backside of the monitor; a wall mount bracket adapted to be attached to awall; a joint having a first and a second end, said first end beingattachable to said wall mount bracket, said second end including aquick-release mechanism adapted to releasably couple to said mountingplate whereby said plate can be attached to said quick release mechanismwithout the need for tightening any fasteners.
 18. The mounting assemblyof claim 17, wherein said quick-release mechanism includes at least onepivotable locking member, said pivotable locking member being pivotablebetween a locking position and an unlocking position, said lockingmember preventing said mounting plate from being removed when saidlocking member is in the locking position.
 19. The mounting assembly ofclaim 18, wherein said locking member is maintained in said lockingposition by a flexible latch portion that can be elastically deformedbetween a first and second shape.
 20. The mounting assembly of claim 17,wherein said joint is adapted to be pivotally secured to said wall mountbracket.
 21. The mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein said jointcomprises a ball and socket joint.
 22. The mounting assembly of claim19, wherein said joint includes a tapered, trapezoidal plate and saidmounting plate includes a tapered trapezoidal sleeve adapted to receivesaid tapered, trapezoidal plate.
 23. A mounting assembly for mounting amonitor to a pole comprising: a mounting plate adapted to mount to themonitor; a collar dimensioned to fit around a pole; a lever armpivotally attached to said collar and adapted to move between a lockedposition in which the collar is frictionally retained on the pole and anunlocked position in which the collar is free to move along the lengthof the pole; and a joint having a first and a second end, said first endbeing attached to said collar, said second end adapted to releasablycouple to said mounting plate.
 24. The assembly of claim 23, whereinsaid joint includes a quick-release mechanism adapted to releasablycouple to said mounting plate without the need for tightening anyfasteners.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein said quick-releasemechanism includes at least one pivotable locking member, said pivotablelocking member being pivotable between a locking position and anunlocking position, said locking member preventing said mounting platefrom being removed when said locking member is in the locking position.26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein said locking member is maintainedin said locking position by a flexible latch portion that can beelastically deformed between a first and second shape.
 27. The assemblyof claim 23, wherein said joint is adapted to pivot with respect to saidcollar.
 28. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said joint includes a balland socket joint.
 29. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said jointincludes a tapered, trapezoidal plate and said mounting plate includes atapered trapezoidal sleeve adapted to receive said tapered plate. 30.The assembly of claim 23, wherein said collar further includes a channeladapted to receive and hold at least one cord for the monitor.
 31. Theassembly of claim 23, wherein said collar includes a cylindricalaperture adapted to receive a pole, said cylindrical aperture having afirst diameter when said lever is in the locked position and a seconddiameter when said lever is in the unlocked position, said firstdiameter being smaller than said second diameter.
 32. The assembly ofclaim 31, wherein said lever includes a cam surface that engages thepole when the lever is in the locked position, said cam surface having acurvature that matches a curvature of an outer surface of the pole.